LinkedIn is the professional network where decision makers go to make decisions. The question is – are you on LinkedIn influencing those decisions? If you have a LinkedIn profile but don’t know how to fully leverage it, follow these easy-to-implement steps. You’ll be on your way to building relationships with key decision makers before you can say “Bring on the leads!”

1. DOs & DON'Ts
LinkedIn
www.McGrathPower.com

2. THE GUIDELINES
as with all social channels
LinkedIn is not without
key rules to live by

3. THE GUIDELINES
here are just a few
to get you started

4. THE GUIDELINES
take full advantage of every
section of the profile to
develop and establish your
professional brand
DO

5. add a photo,
full keyword-rich
descriptions
(not just your title!)
of work history,
degree(s)
and unique skills;
this is an opportunity
to increase SEO

6. profiles with photos
are 14x more likely
to be viewed

7. THE GUIDELINES
use LinkedIn with an
incomplete profile - it
illustrates a lack of credibility
and professionalism
DON'T

8. complete profiles
have 40x more
business
opportunities

9. are you a published
author? have you produced
a video? are you listed on a
patent? do you have any
certifications? add them!

10. use LinkedIn
to illustrate your
personal interests
to add personality
to your profile
DO

11. change your
LinkedIn URL
to your name
and add the
link to your
email signature
DO

12. THE GUIDELINES
use LinkedIn as a
passive repository
for your resume
DON'T

13. LinkedIn is a
means to actively
drive business,
as well as
build a personal brand
and pursue career goals

14. take advantage of the 3
FREE backlinks with
search engine friendly
text to drive traffic to your
other websites and profiles
DO

15. Google LinkedIn

16. THE GUIDELINES
send impersonal
connection requests
DON'T

17. send connection
requests within a week of
meeting someone and
personalize the request
with a reference to how
you know the person

18. add a personal
background image
that reflects who
you are or what you do
professionally
DO

20. endorse your
connections to
encourage
them to
endorse you
(bonus: SEO
opportunity!)
DO

21. ditto for
recommendations!

22. join groups, both
professional and personal
interests, and start
networking by adding value
first and selling later
DO

23. be a spammer -
keep your content helpful
and relevant
DON'T

24. follow the 80/20 rule:
for every self- promotional
piece you must post four
useful non-promotional
types of content
DO

25. offer quality training
materials, ebooks, best
practices, tips, tricks and
tools to your connections
DO

26. think you can
become an
influencer like
Richard Branson
overnight
DON'T

27. LinkedIn is a long play

28. it is about building
relationships

29. invest the time and
you will earn the title
of thought leader

30. THE GUIDELINES
for more tips on using
LinkedIn and all things public
relations and
communications, please visit:
www.mcgrathpower.com